Membertou Chief Terry Paul boasts an election-winning record that any politician would be proud of.

And the 62-year-old longtime leader has done it again. Early Saturday, he learned that Membertou's people had handed him his 16th consecutive two-year term as chief.

He's been Membertou's chief for almost half his life — since 1984.

But Paul's win was by no means a landslide. He garnered 341 of the 672 votes cast, which translates to just over half — 50.7 per cent — of the total vote.

Darrell Bernard, Membertou's public works director and a former band councillor, gave Paul a run for his money, collecting 314 votes — or 46.7 per cent of the total vote.

The third candidate for chief, Kevin Christmas, only garnered 17 votes, so he didn't spoil Bernard's chances. Even if Bernard had collected those votes cast for Christmas, he would have still lost to Paul.

Christmas, a small business consultant originally from Membertou, may have been hobbled by the fact that he's currently based in Halifax.

Despite being chief for 30 years and receiving about 60 per cent of the vote in the last election, Paul admitted to being nervous this time out.

It seems he realized Bernard was an able aspirant.

"I tried to sleep, but I really didn't," Paul said of the night before the election results were released.

Paul, who also acts as Membertou's CEO, ran on his record. And his record includes being one of the main community and corporate leaders who's shepherded Membertou through a period of enviable and continued growth, not only compared to other First Nations, but relative to Atlantic Canadian communities in general.

With his latest win, Paul was essentially handed a mandate to continue on that trajectory.

However, Bernard's close second-place finish can't be ignored. And the main point that Bernard campaigned on seemed to be that Membertou's leaders have to consult with their community's people much more frequently and specifically.

To his credit, Paul has acknowledged that point.

"With just a few minor tweaks I believe we can have a very good relationship with the whole community," he said. "The best way to move forward in a positive manner is for all of us to work together."

That sounds good, in an ambiguous, idealistic sort of way. The proof, of course, is in the pudding.

But if a politician is looking for a recipe for success, it's hard to go wrong generally with economic growth and community engagement.